China naval exercises in East China Sea worry Japan

The move comes amid heightened tensions with Japan over the disputed Senkaku islands, which both countries claim.

Chinese state media said that China conducted naval exercises in the East China Sea on Friday. Above: Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) sailors march pass Tiananmen Square during the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. (Feng Li/Getty Images)

The Chinese navy said that it was conducting naval exercises in the East China Sea.

The move comes amid heightened tensions with Japan over the disputed Senkaku islands, which both countries claim but Japan controls.

BBC reported that the exercise involved 11 ships, including vessels from marine surveillance, and eight airplanes.

The drill was said to be a response to a nearby US-Japan military exercises in the region.